Malaria Smear

Message

Day(s) Test Set Up: Monday through Sunday

Test Code

PSRM

CPT Codes
87207

Preferred Specimen

2 thin blood films, 2 thick blood films

Instructions

2 thin blood films and 2 thick blood films made from fingerstick or drops of blood from needle following venipuncture. There should be no contact with any type of anticoagulant. To prepare blood films, use only clean, grease-free slides. Thin Blood Films Prepare with a “feathered edge”; should be no more than a single cell thick. Allow film to thoroughly air dry and then fix by briefly immersing in either absolute or 95% methyl alcohol. Allow to air dry. Thick Blood Films Place a large drop of blood (preferably from a fingerstick) on a slide. Using a corner of a second slide, spread the drop by literally scratching the carrier slide to make the blood adhere. The drop of blood should start out the size of a dime and be about the size of a quarter when finished. Do not fix; air dry only. Send slides in a plastic slide holder. Forward promptly.

Transport Temperature

Ambient

Methodology
Giemsa Stain

Reference Range

Negative

Last Updated: October 22, 2010

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.